Stoker



C. J. -SURDY Jan. '27, 1942.

STOKER Filed Oct. 15, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 'l INVENTOR Sur'dy BY ATTORNEYS J S h 6 C. J. SURDY Jan. 27, 1942.

STOKER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 15, 1938 rdy ORNEYS INVENTOR Charles J Su Patented Jan. 27, 1942 UNITED STATE sro-mm Charles J. Surdy, Scarsdale, N. Y., assignor to The Standard. Stoker Company, Incorporated, a

- corporation of Delaware I Application October 15, 1938, Serial No. 235,121

7' Claims.

This invention relates to stokers of the type which feed through an opening in the firebox backwall and more particularly, the invention has reference to 'stokers employing blast means for urging fuel against the underside of a plate member for subsequent spreadingover the fire bed. c v a In stokers of the type to .whichreference has been made, it is important that the fuel be supported in front of the pressure fluid blast means for ultimate projection toward all parts of the firebed. Accordingly, it is the principal object of this invention to provide a means for supporting the fuel prior to its upward and forward projection by the blast means toward the distributing plate member.

Another object of this invention is to provide, in a stoker of the type specified, an arrange ment whereby inspection of fire conditions is possible during stoker operation. f

A further object of-this invention resides in so arranging the blast meansthat no partther'eof occupies space in or across the firing opening in the firebox backwall.

It is also an object of this invention provide an improved mounting for the fuel distributing plate member whereby its relative position to the blast means is universally adjustable.

The unit E includes'a when conduit [8 which slopes upwardly and forwardly from its lower A still further object of this invention resides in the provision of a new and improved plate member having fuel directing ribs which extend from front to back of the plate member and serve as stiffening elements therefor.

With these and other objects in view, theinvention consists in the novel construction of parts and in their relation with one another substantially as set forth in the specification accompanied by the drawings, in whichl Fig. 1 is a central vertical longitudinal section through the rear part of a locomotive showing the improved stoker partly in similar section and partly in elevation; I

Figs. 2, 3 and 4 are sectional views taken along respective lines 22, 33, and 44 of Fig. 1;

On these drawings, L indicates a locomotive having a boiler I provided with a firebox ll, grates I2 and a hollow back wall [3. Rearward of'the back wall I3 is a cab'deck l4 disposed below the level of the firing opening l5 formed in the back wall l3. The stoker which feeds fuel to the locomotive firebox l l is indicated generally by S and comprises a, conveyor 16 leading forwardly from the tender (not shown) and being universally connected at I! to the lower end of the fuel elevating and distributing unit E.

end,terminating short of the back wall [3. A bracket l9 secured to the back wall I3 is utilized forsupporting the conduit [8 by means of bolts 20 passing 7 through 'foot members 2| formed with the conduit 18 and resting upon the bracket l9. Within the conduit [8 is a screw, 22 substantially. coextensive in length therewith. j,

, Fuel delivered by the screw 22 movesupwardly through the conduit 18 into the receiving end 23 of a housing member 24, the latter constituting a. part of the fuel elevatingand distributing unit E. The housing member 24 is provided with a frame 25 which embraces the upper. portion of the firing opening l5 and is providedopposite such opening with an aperture normally closed by thefiredoor 21. The firedo'or 21 is of known construction and. detail description thereof is not deemed necessary to a complete understanding of theinvention.

At. the junction of the conduit l8 and housin member 24, a pressure fluid head 28 is positioned withthe front face 29 thereof directed upwardly andforwardly toward the firing opening 15. The front face 29 is drilled to provide a series of jet apertures 30 which are directed upwardly atan angle approximately 45 with the horizontal so as to direct blasts of pressure-fluid abov the front wall 3| of the housing member 24. The jet head 28 is provided with a plurality of chambers 32, each communicating with a series of apertures 30 and receiving fluid under pressure through suitable pipes 33. Particular attention is directed tothe fact that'the jet head 28 is disposed below the level of the firing opening I5 whereby the jet head does not occupy space within or across the opening: I p

The wall 3| slopes upwardly and forwardly from the jet head 28 in approximately the same direction of extent which the pressure fluid blasts assume and serves to support for an interval of time the fuel which is delivered into the zone of action of the jet head by the screw 22-. This wall -31, so far as practical, should be made straight in transverse cross section (Figs. 2 and 4) so that the fuel may be projected forwardly and upwardly in a thin wide stream toward the firebox. The upper end of the wall 3| curves inwardly and forms a guard member which together with the side member 36, formed with the housing 24, protects the portion of the backwall adjacent the firing opening from abrasive action of the fuel.

The fuel projected upwardly by the "blasts of pressure fluid issuing from head 28 is caused to strike the underside 38 of a fuel distributing plate member D which extends through the firing opening l and at its rearward end is secured for pivotal adjustment in a vertical direction upon a shaft 39. The shaft 39 passes through slots 49, 4| formed in respective side walls 42, 43 of the housing member 24 and is normally disposed below the plane of the aperture 26. Adjacent the side wall 43, the shaft 39 has keyed thereto a lever 45 for raising and lowering the plate member D about the axis of shaft 39. The lever 45 is retained in various positions of adjustment by means of a spring operated detent 46 which engages teeth 41 formed in the hub 48 of the lever. By the provision of this adjustment, the fuel striking the underside 38 of the plate member D will ricochet to various portions of the firebed fore and aft of the firebox as determined by the setting of this plate member. In order that the rear corners of the firebox may be supplied with fuel, the plate member D is provided with a pair of outwardly turned ribs 59, one for each respective rear corner, which intercept portions of the projected fuel stream and cause the intercepted fuel to be directed to the desired portions of the firebox. The ribs 50 extend from front to back of the plate member D and serve as a stiffening means therefor. The upper side of the plate member D may also be provided with a pair of stiffening ribs 5| spaced inwardly from the lateral ends of the plate member.

Occasionally, due to the unequal drafting of the locomotive or for some other reasons, banks or holes in the firebed are formed. In order that a flexible control for the fire may be had, the plate member D is also arranged for adjustment on an axis extending longitudinally of the locomotive. For this purpose, a threaded shaft 69, 6| is provided along a respective side wall 42, 43 of the housing member 24. Each threaded shaft 69, 6| is secured in an upper bearing 62, 63 and a lower bearing 64, 65, respectively, whereby they may be freely rotated but restrained against axial movement. Over a respective shaft 60, 5| a nut member 61, 68 is threaded. The inner portion of each nut member 61, 68 is hollowed out, as at 69, for receiving the. spherical portion 19 formed on each end of the shaft 39.

Whenever it is desired to lower or raise one side of the plate member D for the purpose of increasing or decreasing the amount of fuel delivered toward the corresponding rear portion of the firebox, the threaded shaft 69 or 6|, as the case may be, controlling the corresponding side of the firebox, is rotated whereby the threaded nut on such shaft will move downwardly or upwardly therealong. This will result in similar movement of one end of the shaft 39 while the opposite end of such shaft remains in the nut member at the opposite side. The spherical portion, at each end of the shaft 39, serves to provide journals for the shaft in the position of adjustment. It will be understood that the tension of the spring detent 46 is insufficient to maintain engagement with the teeth 41 of the lever 45 whenever vertical movement of one end of the shaft 39 is effected.

It is apparent that as one end of the shaft 39 is lowered or raised, the corresponding outwardly turned rib 50 will move in a similar direction about the axis of a spherical portion H1 at the opposite end of the shaft 39. In this manner the outwardly turned. rib which is so lowered or raised will act to intercept more or less of the fuel projected u wardly by the jet head 28. Along the inner side of each side wall 42, 43 of the housing member 25, the shaft 39 carries a plate 15, 16 respectively, which is preferably made of spring steel and forms a seal for the respective slots 40, 4|. By constructing the plates 15, 16 of spring steel they form a snug seal for a respective slot 49, 4| in all positions of adjustment which the shaft 39 may assume.

In operation of this device fuel urged upwardly along the conduit l8 by the screw 22 is delivered onto the front wall 3| of the housing member 25 which affords a support for the fuel during its upward and forward projection by the blasts of pressure fluid issuing from the jet head 28. This wall 3| is preferably of substantial extent longitudinally so that sufficient velocity may be imparted to the fuel in order that it may strike the underside 33 of distributor plate member D forcibly and ricochet forwardly and downwardly to all parts of the firebed. If it is desired to propel more of the fuel forwardly, the distributor plate member D is rotated upwardly about shaft 39, while downward movement of the plate member about its shaft will cause a preponderant amount of fuel to be fed along rear portions of the firebed. Lateral distribution of the fuel can also be controlled by tilting the plate member D through the intermediacy of threaded stems 69, GI and the mechanism associated therewith, as heretofore explained.

Because the axis of shaft 39 is normally disposed below the aperture 26 in housing member 24, the upper portion of the housing and firedoor opening I5 is unobstructed whereby, upon opening firedoor 21 the stoker operator may observe conditions within the firebox II. If for some reason it is found necessary to feed fuel manually into the firebox or otherwise adjusting fire conditions, the plate member D may be moved to its lowermost position whereby suflicient space will be afforded for free access to the interior of the firebox. Since the jet head 28 occupies no space within or across the lower portion of the firing opening IS, a larger portion of this firing opening, than heretofore possible, is made available for access to the interior of the firebox II.

By mounting the distributing plate member D in the manner described and illustrated, the upper portion of the firing opening I5 is at all times unobstructed and clear vision is afforded into the interior of the firebox II for inspecting conditions. It will also be understood that the plate member D'may be adjusted bodily in a vertical direction by rotating both threaded shafts 60, 6| during such adjustment.

From the foregoing, those familiar with the art will recognize that the stated objects of the present invention have been realized by a novel stoker structure of the type to which reference has herein been made and which is efiicient in operation, flexible in control and cheaply manufactured and maintained.

I claim:

1. In a firebox having an upright wall with a firing opening therein and grates forsupporting a firebed, a stoker for feeding fuel to said firebox comprising a conduit extending to a point adjacent said firing opening but below the level thereof, a pressure fluid head adjacent the terminal end of said conduit constituting the sole means for projecting fuel toward the firebox, said head being provided with jet apertures for issuing blasts of pressure fluid upwardly toward said firing opening, a wall extending forwardly and upwardly from said pressure fluid head to said firing opening, means for urging fuel into the zone of action of the pressure fluid blasts issuing fromisaid head, said wall forming a support for fuel during upward projection thereof by the blasts of pressure fluid issuing from said head, a distributor member above said wall and against which member the projected fuel is for cibly impinged, said member being arranged to limit upward movement of. the projected fuel,

causing fuel impinged thereagainst to be spread.

over the firebed on said grates, andmeans' for raising or loweringlone lateral side of said member without substantial movement of the opposite lateral side.

2. In a firebox having an upright Wall with a firing opening therein and grates for supporting a firebed, a stoker for feeding fuel to said firebox comprising a conduit extending to a point adjacent said firing opening but below the level thereof, a pressure fluid head adjacent the terminal end of said conduitconstituting the sole means for projecting fuel toward the firebox, said head being provided with jet apertures for issuing blasts of pressure fluid upwardly toward said firing opening, a wall extending forwardly and upwardly from said pressure fluid head to said firing opening, means for urging fuel into the zone of action of the pressure fluid blasts issuing from said head, said wall forming a support for fuel during upward projection thereof by the blasts of pressure fluid issuing from said head, a distributor member above said wall and against which member the projected fuel is forcibly impinged, said member being arranged to limit upward movement of the projected fuel, causing fuel impinged thereagainst to be spread over the firebed on said grates, and means for universally varying the angular relation of said member with respect to the projected fuel.

3. In a firebox having an upright wall with a firing opening therein, a stoker for feeding fuel to said firebox through the firing opening comprising an inclined riser conduit communicating with said firing opening, a jet member mounted on the floor of said conduit below the level of the lower edge of said firing opening, means for urging fuel through said conduit to said jet member said jet member being adapted to be connected to a source of fluid under pressure and being provided with a plurality of inclined' orifices for directing said fluid forwardly and upwardly against the fuel flowing over the jet member and projecting the same forwardly and upwardly into said firing opening, and a normally stationary deflector member in said firing opening and above said jet member, and against which member the projected fuel is forcibly impinged, said deflector member being so disposed in said firing opening to provide at least as great a space thereabove as therebelow, and mounted for pivotal adjustment with respect to said pressure fluid head about an axis extending longitudinally of the firebox.

4. In a firebox having an upright wall with a firing opening therein, a stoker for feeding fuel to said firebox through the firing opening comprising an inclined riser conduit communicating with said firing opening, a jet member mounted on the floor of said conduit below the level of the-lower edge of said firing opening, means for urging fuel through said conduit to said jet member said jet member being adapted to be connected to a source of fluid under pressure" and being provided witha plurality of inclinedoriflces forrdirecting said fluid forwardly and upwardly against the fuel flowing over the jet member and projecting the same forwardly and upwardly into said firing opening, and a normally stationary deflector member in said firing opening and above said jet member, and against which member'the projected fuel is forcibly impinged, said deflector member being so disposed in said firing opening to provide at least asgreat a space thereabove as therebelow, and mounted for pivotal: adjustment with respect to said pressure fluid head about an axisextending transversely of the firebox and also about an axis extending longitudinally of said firebox.

5. A stoker comprising a substantially straight inclined riser conduit adapted to deliver coal to a locomotive firebox through an opening in its backwall, the upper end of the conduit communicating with said backwall opening and having a floor terminating at its upper forward end adjacent the lower marginal edge of the backforwardly and upwardly across that portion of the conduit floor extending beyond said jet member to the said backwall opening, and a normally stationary deflector member extending forwardly through said backwall opening and being disposed above said jet member and the upper fori wall opening, a fuel conveying screw in said conduit terminating at its upper end below the level of said backwall opening, a jet member mounted on the floor of said conduit adjacent the upper end of said screw conveyor, said jet member being adapted to be connected to a source of fluid under pressure and being provided with a plu-. ralityof inclined orifices for directing said fluid forwardly and upwardly against the coal flowing over the jet member and projecting the same forwardly and upwardly across that portion of the conduit floor extending beyond said jet member to the said backwall opening, and a normally stationary deflector member extending forwardly through said backwall opening and being disposed above said jet member and the upper forward end of said conduit floor in the path of the fuel thrown upwardly therefrom for distributing the coal throughout the firebox, said jet member serving as the sole coal projecting means and said deflector member serving as the sole coal defiecting means for the stoker.

7. A stoker comprising a substantially straight inclined riser conduit adapted to deliver coal to a locomotive firebox through an opening in its backwall, the upper end of the conduit communicating with said backwall opening and having a floor terminating at its upper forward end adjacent the lower marginal edge of the backwall opening, a fuel conveying screw in said conduit'terminatingc at its upper end below the level of said backwall opening, a jet member mounted on the floor of said conduit adjacent the upper end of said screw conveyor, said jet member being adapted to be connected to a source of fluid under pressure and being provided with a plurality of inclined orifices for directing said fluid forwardly and upwardly against the coal flowing over the jet. member and projecting the same forwardly and upwardly across that portion of the conduit floor extending beyond said jet member to the said backwall opening, said portion of the conduit floor being straight in transverse cross section and increasing in width in its forward extent, and a normally stationary deflector member extending forwardly through said backwall opening and, being disposed above said jet member and the upper forward end of said conduit floor in the path of the fuel thrown upwardly therefrom for distributing the coal throughout the firebox.

CHARLES J. SURDY. 

